When the Perfect Dark reboot was announced in 2020, there was definitely excitement to be had. For those who were avid gamers back in the late ‘90s or early ‘00s, you might’ve played or heard Perfect Dark.
It was the spiritual successor to Goldeneye 007 for the N64 which is renowned to be one of the most iconic console first-person shooters of all time. Despite being similar to the structure of the iconic N64 shooter, Perfect Dark did have some of its own identity.
It was known for being one of the few mainstream first-person shooter titles to feature a female protagonist. The cyberpunk visuals also gave it an appealing look for those who wanted to feel like they were playing a Matrix inspired first-person shooter.
Those were the times when Perfect Dark solidifies itself for being a game that would define a generation to those who played console shooters in the early ‘00s. It’s definitely been a while since the Perfect Dark series has made any impactful moves within the gaming scene.
A New Perfect Dark Appears!
So in 2020, hearing a new Perfect Dark game was certainly exciting among those who were familiar with the original game. There wasn’t much news being revealed for the Perfect Dark reboot throughout the years.
The most exciting thing was the gameplay reveal from last year. I have made an article on this in the past. Let’s just say that I was completely sold with most of the direction it was going for.
During those times, I was expecting the game was getting close to an official date announcement for next year. Unfortunately, my prediction was nowhere near accurate to the current state of the game.
The Knife to the Heart
On July 2, 2025, the Perfect Dark reboot was revealed to be cancelled with the announcement of approximately 9,000 employees. This was unsuspecting, and for those who were attached to this series, was rightfully disappointed. We can never truly experience what a modern day reboot of Perfect Dark would play like.
We’ll never know if we’ll be able to fight Skedars again. Fans won’t be able to use iconic weapons like the Laptop Gun or trying out new equipment that might have its place within the Perfect Dark universe. All of these ideas and features are just plain gone.
The Black Sheep (Perfect Dark Zero)
The Perfect Dark series has seen a 2005 reboot before. Perfect Dark Zero might’ve not been the game that truly lived up to the legacy of the original. It is certainly considered to be the black sheep within the series.
Some might say it is better that Perfect Dark is left alone, and doesn’t deserve another reboot that could be similar quality to Perfect Dark Zero. But there were some ideas that always left an impression on me like the customizable weapon and gadget loadout system.
Joanna Dark in her rave girl era.
There were also a wide range of different locations you go through within the missions. The weapon models and sound effects are still fantastic to this day. It would’ve been nice to see the strong elements of Perfect Dark Zero made a return to the modern day reboot. I’ve always believed a Perfect Dark reboot in today’s times should combine the best elements of both the original and prequel.
On top of that, it should also look inspirations towards the more recent titles to make it more appealing to those that didn’t grow up with the series. But it seems like gamers won’t be able to experience that Perfect Dark anymore. It’s a shame that a beloved series like Perfect Dark hasn’t had another game in 20 years.
Another Cancellation…
Did you know there was another Perfect Dark title that got cancelled during the Xbox 360 era? It was called Perfect Dark Core, and it’s sad that players won’t be able to play as Joanna Dark and witness her adventures for the second time. While the future is uncertain for the Perfect Dark series, I hope there will be continued interest within the series.
There are just too many potential and creative ideas to make a Perfect Dark reboot in today’s times. MachineGames might be the most appropriate developer to work on a Perfect Dark reboot.
They definitely know how to combine first-person shooter action and stealth sections well with their Wolfenstein games. It’ll be interesting to see that translate in a Perfect Dark reboot.
A Limelight of Hope
Doom 4 was supposed to be released back in the Xbox 360 era, but it was cancelled. Eventually, a follow up project known as Doom 2016 would be formed. The game turned out to be a massive success, and it spawned two other Doom games that expand the Doom 2016’s lore.
Perfect Dark could potentially fall into the same fate if there is a developer willing to put quality time and care into it. There is definitely room for another entertaining first-person shooter meets stealth type of game in today’s age.
A concept art of the cancelled Perfect Dark reboot.
It’s been so long since players got to play as Joanna Dark. Perfect Dark deserves better, and there has to be somebody out there that is interested in giving the care and love that this series needs.
Joanna Dark might be a forgotten relic in today’s times, but who doesn’t love a good comeback story? Maybe, there will be a time where Joanna Dark is a recognizable name among the newer gaming crowd.
